Zoom In On: Obagi Nuderm Sunblock in SPF35

The most recent summer had got to be the sunniest. I remember always feeling exhausted during that time perhaps because of the humidity and heat. If there was one good thing that came out of that episode, it would have to be my strengthened devotion on sunblock LOL. Yeah, I wear facial sunblock but not very regularly because well, I get lazy. I am always rushing to work in the mornings that sometimes I intentionally skip applying it because it would set me back by a few minutes. Since summer, however, I have been faithful to these UV shields to the point that I’d feel guilty and restless when I don’t apply them.

Last year, I reviewed the Neutrogena thinking that it was the best that I could ever get my hands on. Boy was I wrong! Because it does not hold a candle to the sunblocks that I am currently rotating. Unlike Neutrogena, these do not sting my eyes and they dry faster too (which is a must if you are always in a hurry like me). My current sunblock arsenal is comprised of Mary Kay SPF30 Sunscreen, Shiseido Gentle Sun Protection Lotion for Sensitive Skin and Babies SPF 30, and my Obagi Nuderm Healthy Skin Protection SPF35. 

I will review the Obagi Nuderm Healthy Skin Protection SPF35 first as I use this more often than the other two. My review perhaps can be summarized by two words. My HG. As in Holy Grail. At 90 mL, this takes forever to consume. I’ve been using this almost every day since March and I am still halfway through the tube. Personally, I use just a little of it every application as its consistency is not runny unlike other sunblocks although beauty enthusiasts contend users should not skimp on using sunscreens. It leaves a whitish cast a few minutes after application but this only last for a few minutes. When it gets dry, it can serve as a good makeup base. It is also unscented which is another thing that I like about it. Just like Shiseido, it does not have that typical sunscreen-y scent that I associate to the smell of a thinner.

 

Item Blurb:
Active Ingredients : Octinoxate, 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 9%
Inactive Ingredients: Butylparaben, cetearyl alcohol, citric acid, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate, disodium edentate, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropyl palmitate, methylparaben, octyl stearate, phenoxyethanol, polyether, propylparaben, purified water, sodium hydroxide, triethoxycaprylysilane.

 

This sunblock is not widely available however. By this I mean that we cannot just buy it in any random department or drug store. In fact, I was only able to buy one with the help of a friend who considers this her HG sunblock too. It retails at $46-53 (approx. Php 2000) Yeah, I know. Not cheap noh? Good thing my friend gave me a generous discount for this.

What’s your HG sunblock?

Ciao!

Stash Staple: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Compete UV Wateright Lotion

I used to be a non-user ( and a non-believer) of sunscreens. I’m not used to wearing one in all of my more than two decades on earth. The only time that I would be compelled to apply some is when I’m beachbound. Other than that, nada! Just plain moisturizer on my face. I was convinced that applying one is just another tedious process that would make my primping sessions all the more lengthy.

However, gone are those days. The turning point was when I saw a high school friend with age spots slowly appearing on her face. She said that she was advised by her derma to use sunblock regularly as her job is field-based. From then on, I had been slathering sunscreen all over my face and neck a good thirty to forty five minutes before going out. I browsed the GT forum and several blogs to help me decide which sunscreen to buy. I’m fortunate to have stumbled upon the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Compete UV Waterlight Lotion. I am liking this over the Nivea Facial Sunblock that I first used. I prefer this because unlike typical sunscreens, it does not make my face sweat like crazy. It does not feel heavy on the face too. In fact, I’d often forget that I’m wearing a sunscreen. It is also very easy to spread because of its watery texture that does not take too long to dry. Its finish is velvety making it ideal for daily usage. More importantly, it offers a broad spectrum coverage which makes it very effective against both UVA and UVB. It also makes use of its patented Helioplex technology which I understand would make it stable enough to protect against UV rays. For more about the benefits of using Neutrogena, read this.

Notice the sorta watery texture of this SB.

How it looks like after spreading

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Compete UV Wateright Lotion with Helioplex SPF 50+ PA+++ . 30 mL. 

Approximately Php 460.00 Available in leading dept. stores nationwide.

Directions: Use at the end of your skincare routine after moisturizer as a superior daily blocker. Suitable for use as a makeup base. Shake well Before use.

The only problem I have with using this ( well, for all sunblocks, in general) is that I would sometimes rub it on my eyes causing me to become teary-eyed. When I do, I’d end up rubbing my eyes all the more, removing also my eye makeup. But then again, this does not happen too often so it’s not a biggie. I am now about to finish my second bottle of Neutrogena Waterlight. And while I am pretty satisfied with this, I would very much like to try other brands as well. Care to give me any suggestions?  

Tata!